Since childhood, my love of the outdoors has always been a part of me. And as an adult, I hope to share that passion with my own children.

So, I offered this challenge to my family, to join me in exploring the hidden treasures and more popular gems Connecticut and the surrounding region have to offer. From hiking to biking to kayaking, I hope my window into the outside world inspires you to explore as well.

South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary

South Windsor

It's spring, right? The way this year's been going, I just can't be so sure. But, no matter. There's plenty of outdoor adventures to go on – including one in South Windsor I've had my eye on for quite a while.

It's called the South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary and it's a beacon for nature lovers everywhere. Tucked among pockets of farmland, I parked my car at the sanctuary's entrance off Niederwerfer Road. The park's looping trails snake off into the woods still draped in a sheen of icy snow.

I chose the path running parallel to the road and was grateful that on this cold morning there very little snow melt. In recent weeks, slush has made it difficult to hike certain trails, but here, that isn't a problem.

The trail, both narrow and unobtrusive, winds through the preserve in a fine complement to its wooded surroundings. Some years past, local farmer and conservationist Frank Niederwerfer persuaded the town to use the land as a sanctuary. It now serves as a haven for the many varieties of birds that pass through here. I heard their raucous calls throughout my entire hike and welcomed the company.

A variety of trees – such as mountain ash and juniper -- welcomed me as the trail headed deeper into the woods. Small placards found along the trail tell of their origin. Before long, the elevation began to climb. And it's here where the winds picked up, adding a deeper chill to my early-morning hike.

Although steeped in natural wonder, signs of the real world also crept in. Sometimes a random plane would fly overheard drowning the sounds of chattering birds. The faint humming from live electrical currents also greeted me as I passed under power lines on my journey.

But, those intrusions could not mask the beauty of my surroundings. And, the big payoff came atop the town's highest point. Here, a huge sledding hill sits offering the young at heart a chance to conquer its slopes. It also provides visitors a beautiful, panoramic view of Connecticut – from the Hartford skyline to Simsbury's Heublein Tower.

After drinking it all in, I made my way back into the canopy of trees where, within moments, the path break off into a few different loops. I followed a trail that led me through one of two ice-covered fields that grace this land.

Just yards away from the trailhead, the meadow, draped in white, was made brilliant by the rays of the bright, morning sun. It's a picturesque scene broken only by the ruckus of several robins foraging in patches of leaf litter by the meadow's edge. Yet, another subtle reminder that despite the slow start to spring, nature is ready to break through. And not a moment too soon.

Directions: From I-84 E, take Exit 62 Buckland St. Turn left onto Buckland St. Continue on CT-194 W. Turn right onto CT-74 E. Turn left onto Niederwerfer Rd. The sanctuary is on the left.

Technical Discussion

Monday will be bright and chilly. High temperatures will be in the mid to upper 30s in inland sections and lower 40s along the shore. A cell of high pressure will move overhead, and then to the east of the region today and will be the dominating factor in the weather, thus promising the quieter spell.

Monday will be bright and chilly. High temperatures will be in the mid to upper 30s in inland sections and lower 40s along the shore. A cell of high pressure will move overhead, and then to the east of the region today and will be the dominating factor in the weather, thus promising the quieter spell.

This Sept. 24, 2017, photo provided by Michael Kass shows Yann Arnaud during a Cirque du Soleil performance in Toronto. Arnaud died early Sunday, March 18, 2018, after falling while performing during a show on Saturday in Tampa, Fla. (Michael Kass via AP)

A Cirque du Soleil performer died Saturday night after he fell during a performance in Tampa, Florida.

Nearly two weeks after 16-year-old Amy Yu vanished with 45-year-old Kevin Esterly, the pair was found Saturday in Mexico and the man was arrested, authorities say. (Allentown Police Department)

Nearly two weeks after a 16-year-old Pennsylvania girl vanished with a 45-year-old man, the pair was found Saturday in Mexico and the man was arrested, authorities say. Amy Yu was "unharmed and in good health."

Nearly two weeks after a 16-year-old Pennsylvania girl vanished with a 45-year-old man, the pair was found Saturday in Mexico and the man was arrested, authorities say. Amy Yu was "unharmed and in good health."

Technical Discussion

THE FINAL DAY OF SPRING… Some overnight cloud cover prevented temperatures this morning from going as cold as they could have, if the sky would’ve been clear. Now that they’re eroding, the rest of the day will be mostly sunny. After starting out in the 20s and low 30s, temperatures will peak in the upper 30s and lower 40s this afternoon – well below the average high of 49!

THE FINAL DAY OF SPRING… Some overnight cloud cover prevented temperatures this morning from going as cold as they could have, if the sky would’ve been clear. Now that they’re eroding, the rest of the day will be mostly sunny. After starting out in the 20s and low 30s, temperatures will peak in the upper 30s and lower 40s this afternoon – well below the average high of 49!